Pilot testing solution-focused therapy delivered by text message
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing a text message intervention, based on principles of a solution-focused therapy approach, for young people who self-harm: pilot testing study.
IRAS ID
348552
Contact name
Lauren Jerome
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research & Development Governance
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
osf.io/5adm6, Open Science Framework
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Young people self-harming is a major public health concern and access to services is often difficult. Digital interventions, such as those delivered by an app or on a website, are one way we could increase the support available. At the moment, there is no digital intervention available that uses solution-focused therapy to support people's mental health. This project will test a new digital intervention which has been developed based on solution-focused therapy, and is delivered by text message to a mobile phone, with young people. We will recruit young people aged 16 to 25 years who have lived experience of self-harm and clinicians who are experienced working with young people who self-harm. We will recruit individuals through NHS services as well as from community settings such as local organisations for young people in East London. First, we will invite 5 young people to do an initial test of the intervention in what is called a 'think aloud' procedure. 'Think aloud' testing is where someone says out loud anything that comes to mind as they use or do something. We will update the intervention so it works better following this initial test. Then we will invite 10-15 young people to use our intervention over one week and give us feedback on how they found using it. We will also invite clinicians who work with young people to try out the intervention in a workshop and feedback their thoughts on whether our intervention could work with their service. Our aim with this study is to see whether the intervention works as we designed it to and whether people like using it. We hope if they do enjoy using it, we can design future bigger studies to see if our intervention has any benefits for young people.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0868
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jan 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion